From the Guidelines
Autism symptoms typically do not remain latent and suddenly appear at age 11, but rather may become more noticeable due to increasing social demands and complexities of the social environment. According to the practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder 1, the diagnosis of autism requires disturbances in each of 3 domains: social relatedness, communication/play, and restricted interests and activities with onset by 3 years of age. However, it is possible that milder autism traits might have been present earlier but were either missed or not significant enough to cause concern.
Some key points to consider include:
- Preschool children with autism typically present with marked lack of interest in others, failures in empathy, absent or severely delayed speech and communication, marked resistance to change, restricted interests, and stereotyped movements 1.
- In children with autism, social and communication skills usually increase by school age; however, problems dealing with change and transitions and various self-stimulatory behaviors (sometimes including self-injury) also may become more prominent during this time 1.
- Predictors of ultimate outcome include the presence of communicative speech by 5 years of age and overall cognitive ability (IQ) 1.
- Early identification, even at age 11, can still lead to appropriate supports and interventions that can significantly improve outcomes.
It's essential to note that autism exists on a spectrum, and manifestations vary widely between individuals. If you notice new concerning behaviors in an 11-year-old, it's crucial to consult with a developmental pediatrician or child psychologist for a comprehensive evaluation. This evaluation can help identify any potential issues and provide appropriate supports and interventions to improve outcomes.
From the Research
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Symptoms
- The symptoms of ASD can vary from child to child, and may include avoidance of eye contact, lack of response to names, excessive fear, and lack of interactive and pretend play 2.
- Early signs of ASD can emerge between 6 and 12 months, including reduced social communication, slightly less advanced motor development, and repetitive behavior 3.
- In some cases, the symptoms of ASD may not be apparent until later in childhood, and the diagnosis may be made after the age of 3 years 4.
Latent Symptoms of ASD
- There is no clear evidence to suggest that symptoms of ASD can remain completely latent until the age of 11 years 2, 5, 3, 6, 4.
- However, it is possible that some children with ASD may not exhibit obvious symptoms until later in childhood, and may be diagnosed at an older age 4.
- Early identification of ASD symptoms by caregivers and healthcare providers is crucial for timely intervention and improved long-term outcomes 2, 4.
Diagnosis and Intervention
- Early diagnosis of ASD is crucial for timely intervention and improved long-term outcomes 2, 4.
- Various screening and diagnostic tools, such as the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F), can help identify ASD symptoms in young children 2.
- Early intervention, including specialized therapies and support services, can help modify the evolution of symptoms and limit secondary handicaps 4.